Elections of akims of cities of regional significance, rural districts, settlements and villages that are not part of the rural district, which took place in August 2017 in all 14 regions of Kazakhstan, were completed. The CEC published generalized information, without details on gender, party affiliation, social status.

When observing the elections of rural akims in 2013, we paid attention to schedules of consultations of district akims with the local population. At these meetings the akim should consult with the villagers about nominated candidates for the post of rural akim.

Each time, when observing the elections, ECHO monitors how changes the attitude towards women, how many women participate in the elections and how many eventually become deputies and akims. This time we studied how many women were elected as rural akims during the August 2017 elections.

The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed a law that amended the Constitutional Law "On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan." Part of the changes touched on the requirements for candidates for the presidency of the country.

In November-December 2013, public association Echo conducted a survey of the level of knowledge about the opportunities for Almaty residents to participate in decision-making at the city level. The survey included an inquiry of citizens representing different population groups, in particular, students, representatives of NGOs, representatives of SMEs. In addition, a survey of experts - lawyers, political scientists, representatives of various public and commercial organizations was conducted.